ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) -Tampa Bay prospect Evan Longoria was recalled from Triple-A Durham and will make his much-anticipated major league debut Saturday against the Baltimore Orioles.
Longoria, sent back to the minors despite having an outstanding spring training, replaces third baseman Willy Aybar. The Rays placed Aybar on the 15-day disabled list Friday night after he missed his second straight game with a sore left hamstring that may sideline him up to four weeks.
“We’ve been decimated by injuries. It’s not necessarily the ideal way that we wanted to call him up,” Rays executive vice president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman said.
“But we’re confident in his ability to adjust at the plate, and what he brings to us defensively is something that we felt was very important to where we’re going. We’ll see what happens and reassess when Willy is ready to come back. We’ll let things play out.”
By spending 13 days in the minors so far this season – thus not qualifying for a full season – the third baseman’s eligibility for free agency is pushed back an extra year until after the 2014 season.
Longoria was the third pick in the June 2006 draft. In seven games at Durham this season, he hit .200 with no homers and five RBIs.
Earlier Friday, Rays left-hander Scott Kazmir threw 46 pitches during his second batting practice session. If he doesn’t have a setback, he’ll likely pitch in an extended spring training game Tuesday.
The 2007 AL strikeout champion is on the 15-day disabled list because of a left elbow strain. He was shut down after experiencing discomfort while warming up for an intrasquad game on Feb. 26.
“He did really well,” Rays manager Joe Maddon said. “His last fastball was probably mid 90’s. He’s chomping at the bit.”
Rocco Baldelli was one of the hitters who faced Kazmir, taking batting practice for the first time since spring training. The outfielder has been sidelined since last May because of lingering hamstring problems and what doctors have told him and the Rays is mitochondrial disorder, a condition that causes extreme fatigue.
Pitcher Matt Garza, on the disabled list with nerve irritation in his right arm, will play catch for the first time Saturday.
Designated hitter Cliff Floyd underwent surgery on his right knee to repair a torn meniscus. He is expected to miss four to six weeks.
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